A/HRC/43/13 22. Namibia applauded the abolition of the death penalty and the subsequent accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, in 2017. 23. Nepal welcomed the strengthening of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, and commended Madagascar for its ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 24. The Netherlands welcomed steps taken to combat violence against women. 25. Nigeria applauded the ratification of a number of international instruments, efforts to combat corruption and the policy on poverty alleviation. 26. Norway welcomed renewed efforts to respond to victims of gender-based violence and the drafting of relevant legislation. 27. Peru acknowledged the efforts made in the area of health and the environment, in particular environmentally friendly initiatives in the field of health-care management and air pollution prevention. 28. The Philippines lauded the ratification of several international human rights treaties, the adoption of legislation to combat trafficking in persons and the strengthening of the national human rights institution in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). 29. Portugal congratulated Madagascar for ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 30. The Russian Federation noted with satisfaction the ratification of several international conventions and commended Madagascar for the organization of country visits by international experts. 31. Rwanda welcomed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 32. Senegal welcomed the efforts of Madagascar to improve its institutional and policy framework with a view to eliminating discrimination against women and promoting gender equality. 33. Serbia welcomed the establishment of the Independent National Human Rights Commission in 2014 as an independent national institution for the protection of human rights in conformity with the Paris Principles. 34. Seychelles welcomed legislation to reduce maternal mortality and the adoption of a national strategic plan on family planning and reproductive health and the National Strategy to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation. 35. Slovenia welcomed the ratification of several international human rights instruments and noted with appreciation that combating gender-based violence and older persons were areas of the General State Policy. 36. Spain welcomed the abolition of the death penalty, the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and efforts to improve prison conditions and to promote the rights of women. 37. The Sudan welcomed the adoption of the national plan of action to implement the recommendations of the previous review, the cooperation of Madagascar with the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council and the ratification of a significant number of human rights instruments. 38. Switzerland congratulated Madagascar on the successful 2018–2019 electoral cycle, and commended it for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 4 GE.19-21780